Vasco da Gama is a city in the Goa state on the west coast of India. It is named after
the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Vasco has Goa's largest population.
The city lies on the western tip of the Mormugao peninsula, at the mouth of the Zuari
River, about 30 km from Panaji
The city was founded in 1543, and remained in Portuguese hands until 1961, when
Goa was annexed to India. The Indian Navy's Goa Naval Area (base) is located at
Vasco from which it controls Dabolim airport and, in effect, the entire
tourism-dependent mini-state of Goa.
PLACE TO VISIT
Pilot Point - this place offers a magnificent view of the port and the mouth of the Zuari river as well as the Arabian Ocean.
Bogmalo Beach - is a mere 7 km from Vasco City and is one of the best that Goa has to offer. It has numerous shacks offering the local cuisine. But its absolutely lonely most of the time, nobody is around! It is not dangerous, but can be lonely!
Japananese Garden - up the hill in a place called SADA. It is in a hill top
facing the ocean. The route to the garden from the VASCO station, gives a good view
of the ships in the ocean in the goan ship yards on your right hand side. It is seated
in a beautiful calm place. You can sit on top and watch the ocean, or walk down to a
temple at the shore. There is a side walk that takes you to the navy apartments
nearby. It is not a usual tourist spot. It is very quiet and calm in the day time and the
ideal time to visit would be early mornings or evenings.
HOW TO REACH
Dabolim International Airport is located in the city, and is served by Air India, Indian
Airlines, Jet Airways (India), Kuwait Airways and Sahara Airlines.
Vasco is a 30km drive from Panaji.
